How it works: There are actually a few types of whole-home air cleaners that fit under this category. Here are the main two:

Mechanical air filters: Draws air through a fibrous or metal filter with different sized pores that trap particles (think of it as a super air filter that can trap tiny particles that your normal air filter can’t).

Electronic air filters: Uses electrostatic attraction to give particles a charge and then uses a collector plate of an opposite charge to attract and trap the particles. Since there’s no physical filter, there’s no air pressure decrease, but the plates do need to be changed/cleaned often to remain effective.

Limitations: Normally can’t remove larger particles from the air because most settle quickly and never reach filters.

Gas-phase filter whole-home air cleanerPollutants addressed: Gases

How it works: Removes gases and odor from your air with a sorbent (a material used to absorb water or gas) that absorbs the pollutants. The kind of sorbents in these filters are also used in gas masks to protect people from harmful gases.

Does not make a good replacement for an air filter whole-home air cleaner, but complements it well.

Are there any air cleaners that can eliminate particles, gases and biologicals?
Yes, there are ozone generators. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone generators use a method that intentionally produces ozone. And ozone is a “lung irritant that can cause adverse health effects.”

So we don’t recommend them.

Summary
As you can see, it’s important to pick a whole-home air cleaner based on the pollutant you’re concerned about.

Our suggestion: Get an air filter whole-home air cleaner to catch 99% of particulate pollutants in your home, and then complement it with a UVGI if you’re concerned about mold or other biologicals spreading throughout your home.

If you still have questions about the whole-home air cleaner that’s right for you, ask one of our experts. They’ll be happy to help!